Top Zinfandels from California

A cheat sheet for the ZAP Festival

Top Zinfandels from CaliforniaThe following are some Zins that I think are standouts at this year's ZAP Annual Zinfandel Festival in San Francisco, January 27-29. With hundreds, if not thousands, of wines to chose from, a little guidance can always be helpful. Stay tuned for next week when I present the best of the rest -- and since the rest is coming from the heart of Sonoma County, I'm betting there are going to be some very special wines!

Since the Wall Street Journal [John Brecher] rated" your 03 it's first choice and a winery name to remember"to this new ranking you have proved that he and others are so right. The 2008 FCV is outstanding as are your other wines.Sometimes the "little handmade works well"
Alex 1/13/11

I will try some of these. However, Brown Winery has some stellar Zins. I mean, Stellar. I like it better than Seghesio, which is very good. Brown is a small family run winery in Napa. I enjoyed the article, I may order some these wines we can't get here in Anchorage.

I just interviewed Vince Tofanelli. His Zin comes from his family vineyards in the Calistoga AVA. This is a beautiful Zin, so well balanced and flavorful but not over the top. Add Tofanelli Vineyards Zinfandel 2007 to your list. Vince will be pouring this wine at Zap. Try it and you will be stunned. Price $33. By the way Vince sells Zin grapes to Turley and Duckhorn. That should tell you something!